THE S\VQIMING, OR NATATORUL GROUr. 155 



certain seasons) by curled feathers in the 

 upper tail coverts. The wild origin of our 

 domestic duck, is unquestionably the well- 

 known species, anas boschas, usually termed 

 the mallard, and which appears to be generally 

 distributed throughout the temperate and 

 colder regions of Europe, Asia, and North 

 America. The mallard is smaller than the 

 tame duck, of a lighter and more graceful 

 figure, and much more quick, observant, and 

 prompt in its actions. In the moi'e northern 

 regions, it is decidedly migratory. 



The wild duck pairs early in March, some- 

 times in the latter part of February, but the 

 male deserts his mate, when the duty of incu- 

 bation commences, leaving the care of the eggs 

 and young entirely to the female. Hence in 

 the month of May it is not uncommon to see 

 small flocks composed exclusively of males, 

 whose mates are fostering their brood. Wilson 

 says that both parents take charge of their 

 young, but this is an error ; the female, only, 

 rears them, as was first, we believe, pointed 

 out by Mr. Selby. It is in May, moreover, 

 that the male begins to change his colours, 

 losing the curled tail feathers, and the glossy 

 green of the neck, and assuming a plain dress. 



